Charles James Reid

1943 - 2025

Charles James Reid

July 14, 1943 - August 1, 2025

Charles James Reid, at the golden age of 82, passed away peacefully August 1st, 2025, in his home and surrounded by the comfort of his family in Virginia Beach, VA.

Charles is survived by his wife, Constance S. Reid, twin brother, Boyce G. Reid, sister, Patsy R. White, daughters, Laura C. Reid (Tim McCarthy) and Jennifer D. Lauer (Zach), grandchildren, Lindsey, Sarah, and Tanner.

Charles is preceded in death by brother, Terrell "Terry" J. Reid.

His patient wisdom and loving guidance will be missed by all. With patience and logic, he approached any problem. Charlie's natural proclivity to detail and precision made him a strong leader and led him to his robust professional career in engineering. His dedication and passion in his work bled into his life and was a quality appreciated by those who knew him.

Charles was born on July 14, 1943, to parents, Annie Laurie Williams Reid & George James Reid of Lynchburg, VA. He graduated from E.C. Glass high school with Honors in 1961, where he was co-captain of the baseball team with his twin brother, Boyce, and where he met the love of his life, Connie Spradlin. He continued his education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In 1965, Charlie graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and pursued his master's degree in civil engineering. In 1967, he fulfilled his reserve office commission requirements by entering active-duty service in the Army Corps of Engineers. At the end of his service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal of Meritorious Service by the chief of staff for his excellent work and recognition for his outstanding service.

After returning home to Lynchburg on Christmas vacation, Charles and Connie realized that it was time to finalize their love and they were married on December 27, 1967. Within a month, Connie joined Charlie in Germany on what would become their year-long honeymoon while he was in active duty for the 7th Corps until he was honorably discharged in December 1968 as a First Lieutenant and returned to Virginia Tech to complete his master's degree.

They then moved to Hampton Roads to start their family when Charlie accepted his first professional employment position as lead engineer for the prestigious structural engineering consulting firm Fraolie, Blum and Yeslemen in 1969. Shortly followed was the birth of their daughters, Laura Constance in 1969 and Jennifer Dare in 1971. In 1976, Charlie accepted the opportunity to design a large bridge interchange complex at Hampton Coliseum under the employment of McGay, Marshall and McMillian. In 1984, Charlie opened Reid Structure and Bridge with Al Patel, Chief Engineer, and Bill Bennett, Designer/CADD expert. He enjoyed successful and satisfying practice in structural design and consulting for 31 years before closing his practice in 2015 and joining Keith Weakley at Volkert Mid-Atlantic Engineering Practice to be a senior engineer consultant to the Hampton Roads District Bridge Engineer office. He fully retired in October 2023, thus culminating his structural engineering and consulting career that spanned 54 years.

Although Charlie loved his engineering work, his real love was his beautiful wife, Connie, and the family they built together with daughters Laura Reid and Jennifer Lauer. His family has been the most joyous aspect of his life and the reason for his hard work, so that he may provide for them a good life and strong foundation. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Lindsey and Tanner Lauer and Sarah Donahue Reid. He enjoyed helping them grow and become young adults finishing their college education. It was the most joyful of his life.

Charlie's arrangements are being handled by H.D. Oliver. A date for his memorial service will be announced later.